EMDR

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What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based, integrative, structured therapeutic approach that uses eye movements or other methods of bilateral stimulation to process and resolve the emotional and physiological distress and negative beliefs related to painful past experiences. EMDR incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic theory and neuroscience.

How does it work?

The theory behind EMDR is that our brains have a natural ability to heal from experiences, but traumatic experiences (single incident or ongoing) are beyond what our systems are designed to be able to process, so our brains can become overwhelmed and the event can feel "stuck" rather than processed. Our brains and bodies then re-experience the feelings, sensations and thoughts associated with the experience when something triggers us. In addition, newer experiences pile onto to previous trauma experiences and reinforce the negative experience and associated thoughts and feelings.

EMDR facilitates the brain’s natural ability to heal by incorporating eye movements or other means of bilateral stimulation, which activates the brain and processes the material (similarly to what occurs during REM sleep where we experience eye movements and process life events through symbols and imagery). Through EMDR, we can become unstuck, no longer be preoccupied by the past and be better able to be present and engaged in life.

What can EMDR treat?

  • Trauma and PTSD
    • Single incident and reoccurring
  • Anxiety
    • Social anxiety
    • General anxiety
    • Phobias
    • Panic attacks
    • Relationship anxiety
  • Depression
  • Self-worth and shame

What does the process involve?

We begin by getting to know you; understanding the current challenges you are facing, identifying your goals and exploring your life history to create a road map of your past, present, and where you would like to be in your future. Throughout the entire process, establishing and maintaining comfort and safety in the therapeutic relationship is key.

Prior to starting any eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, we will ensure that you have strengths and resources to help you regulate and cope with difficult emotions that may arise during EMDR.

Together we will identify specific relevant past experiences and memories that are connected to your current distress, and a plan to process these experiences will be co-created.

Working one memory at a time, I will guide you in prepararing the memory for reprocessing by lighting up the memory network through a number of questions related to the beliefs, emotions and body sensations associated with the memory. I will then guide you in what to focus on while leading you in sets of eye movements or other means of bilateral stimulation, with intermittent check-ins on what you are noticing. Throughout the process, the event will become gradually less distressing; meanwhile, new perspectives on the past event and positive beliefs about yourself will emerge and be reinforced.

The length of the process varies depending on the individual, history, depth of trauma, and amount of events being processed. Some memories may be reprocessed within a single session, while others may take several to reprocess. EMDR can be applied to both single incident past painful experiences as well as recurring and complex.

Depending on your current goals, challenges and history, EMDR may be incorporated into regular individual counselling sessions that also involve talk therapy and other modalities, or can be used as a stand-alone therapy.

Is EMDR right for me?

EMDR has helped many individuals become unstuck from past painful experiences, and can help move healing forward if you are sensing that you need something beyond traditional talk therapy.

There are a few factors to consider when deciding if or when to begin the process of EMDR therapy. The reprocessing experience can be highly emotional and can bring difficult memories and emotions to the forefront. If you currently have a dissociative disorder, are in active addiction, are feeling suicidal or have a court date or a significant event upcoming, it may be recommended or necessary for these issues to be addressed before proceeding with EMDR.

If you'd like to talk about whether EMDR would be a good fit for your current concerns, please contact me at info@teahscotten.com to book a free 15 minute consult.